Leeds United announced yesterday that rising young star Jack Clarke had signed his first professional deal with the club as they fended off interest from Manchester City and rival Premier League clubs to ensure the U18s forward will continue his development at Elland Road.

Clarke has signed a new deal until 2021 and manager Thomas Christiansen was enthusiastic when asked about him at this afternoon's press conference.

"Well, it's a player we have followed, it's a player that I have had up with the team for training several times," he said.

"And it's also a sign for the good work that the academy are doing."

The prolific forward isn't the only bright young star in Leeds' ranks, however.

Here are the five starlets who could save Thomas Christiansen millions in the transfer window.

Jack Clarke

The immensely talented 17-year-old has struck nine goals in seven matches this season and his form has been so good that he has been fast-tracked into the U23 setup, as well as training with the first team.

Clarke was actually due to be involved in the Carabao Cup defeat at Leicester City but Leeds wanted to wait until he had signed professional terms, though he is expected to get some first-team opportunities as the season progresses.

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He scored a hat-trick for the U18s against Sheffield Wednesday in a 5-2 win from two goals down last month and Leeds were keen to act decisively amid rumoured interest from top-flight clubs.

His stunning goal in a narrow 1-0 win over Cardiff City was also chosen for LFE's goal of the month award.

Bobby Kamwa

Just as prolific this season with the U18s has been midfielder Kamwa, who has netted an impressive seven times this season despite playing in central midfield.

Kamwa signed a two-year scholarship contract back in 2016 alongside the likes of Samuel Amissah and Callum Nicell and has gone from strength to strength since.

He was also nominated for the goal of the month competition last month as he curled home from 25 yards out into the top corner and is making great strides at U18 level this season.

Bryce Hosannah

Another U23s player who has received first-team training session exposure so far in 2017/18 is Bryce Hosannah, the young right-back plucked from Crystal Palace's academy this summer.

Leeds celebrated their ability to attract youth players from around Europe this summer, with the likes of centre-back Oriol Rey and striker Kun Temenuzhkov joining from Barcelona and forward Ousama Siddiki arriving from Real Madrid.

Bryce Hosannah upon joining Leeds United

Hosannah has already scored for his new club and is an athletic, attack-minded full-back who enjoys a challenge.

The 18-year-old was involved in the unsavoury brawl between U23 players and Rhyl's first team during a friendly last week, with Leeds United players understood to be furious with a firm challenge on the former Palace defender, as Paudie O'Connor stepped in to defend the young full-back.

Will Huffer

The U23s shot-stopper's form this season saw him called up to the England U20 setup and he delivered a remarkable individual performance in a narrow 1-0 defeat at Charlton Athletic earlier this season in the Professional Development League.

Bailey Peacock-Farrell is ostensibly Leeds' third choice goalkeeper behind first-choice duo Andy Lonergan and Felix Wiedwald currently but both players have struggled this season and Christiansen may have to assess his options if their poor form continues.

But as well as Peacock-Farrell, Huffer will be hoping to have something to say about having kept three clean sheets in 13 games this season and he has already trained with the first team.

Kun Temenuzhkov

Having recently been voted in The Guardian's top 60 young players in the world, the Bulgarian has started life promisingly at Leeds following his summer transfer from Catalonia.

He spent three seasons in total at Barcelona’s La Masia academy before his free transfer to Elland Road and the 17-year-old is held in high esteem in his homeland.